An All Progressives Congress stalwart, Okoi Obono-Obla, has berated the governors of Akwa Ibom and Delta States, Mr Udom Emmanuel and Ifeanyi Okowa, for alleged betrayal of his colleagues in the South-South region of the country.
He said that the South-South governors had agreed to jointly push for a South-Southerner to emerge as president next year yet the two governors reneged.
In a statement today, Obono-Obla, a former special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, said South-South governors had earlier vowed not to support a northern candidate after the incumbent has finished his 8-year tenure.
“The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel is a betrayer of his colleagues in the Forum of Governors of Southern Nigeria. Similarly, Governor of Delta State and Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa is an apostate and betrayer of the cause of the Forum of Governors of Southern Nigeria.
“It is on record that the Governors of Southern Nigeria met and unanimously resolved that they would support irrevocably the return of the presidency of Nigeria to Southern Nigeria after 8 years of the presidency of President Muhammadu Buhari and that on no account would they support the presidency remaining in Northern Nigeria.
“However, treacherously, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa greedily and sheepishly accepted a pot of porridge and a Greek gift from Atiku Abubakar and accepted to be running mate to Atiku Abubakar.”
Obono-Obla said Udom Emmanuel surprisingly broke ranks with his colleagues and is supporting the presidential campaign of Atiku Abubakar.
He charged that both governors should bow their heads in shame and ignominy.
“History will be unkind and harsh to their memories as they have behaved and carried on as quislings to a noble cause.
“How can the duo in good conscience work with Atiku Abubakar and PDP National Chairman, Iyochia Ayu?
“Mr Atiku and Dr Ayu have demonstrably shown such despicable contempt, disdain, and scorn to the good people of Southern Nigeria!! ”
Obono-Obla expressed that Atiku Abubakar stepped his foot in Akwa Ibom State, and left without offering an apology for the damage he inflicted on the State when he allegedly sabotaged the fortunes of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria, Ikot Abasi.
“The Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria, a multi-billion industrial complex, that would have economically, and industrially changed the fortunes of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria was fraudulently sold to an undeserving investor when Atiku Abubakar was the Chairman of the National Council on Privatization 17 years ago”.